Friday, October 22, 2010

To all my Coach & Beauty Lovers.....

According to my sources, Estee Lauder will be having this Makeup Gift Sets for Holiday 2010. The pre-sale will begin one to two weeks before December (rumors claim Black Friday).  Also, I was told that the set will be $35 ea. with a Fragrance purchase. 

This Limited Edition coach Set will be available in 3 colors: Gold, Silver and Red.

Estee Lauder Gold Gift Set – Limited Edition
Estee Lauder Holiday 2010 makeup gift set 1 Estee Lauder Holiday 2010 Makeup Gift Sets
Includes the following products:
  • Star Waterfront Perfect Palette
  • Pure Color Crystal Lipstick – Compact Edition
  • Pure Color Crystal Lip Gloss – Compact Edition
  • Creative Professional Eye liner Pen – Compact Edition
  • Professional Retractable Powder Brush
  • Professional Telescopic Eye Shadow Brush
  • Golden Coach makeup bag – Limited Edition
Estee Lauder Silver Gift Set – Limited Edition
Estee Lauder Holiday 2010 makeup gift set 2 Estee Lauder Holiday 2010 Makeup Gift Sets
Includes the following products:
  • Star Waterfront Perfect Palette
  • Pure Color Crystal Lipstick – Compact Edition
  • Pure Color Crystal Lip Gloss – Compact Edition
  • Creative Professional Eye liner Pen – Compact Edition
  • Professional Retractable Powder Brush
  • Professional Telescopic Eye Shadow Brush
  • Silver Coach makeup bag – Limited Edition

Estee Lauder Red Gift Set – Limited Edition
Estee Lauder Holiday 2010 makeup gift set 4 Estee Lauder Holiday 2010 Makeup Gift Sets
Includes the following products:
  • Star Waterfront Perfect Palette
  • Pure Color Crystal Lipstick – Compact Edition
  • Pure Color Crystal Lip Gloss – Compact Edition
  • Creative Professional Eye liner Pen – Compact Edition
  • Professional Retractable Powder Brush
  • Professional Telescopic Eye Shadow Brush
  • Red Coach makeup bag – Limited Edition

 Take a look @ and tell me what you  like :)  Enjoy !

Friday, September 3, 2010

Mascaras !!!

A Mascara is a cosmetic used to darken, colour, thicken, lengthen, or define eyelashes. So I have put a few to the ultimate test.

A while back some one had asked me to please give her some feedback on mascaras so what follows is my most honest opinion.  

Are some drugstore brand better than the most higher end brands?? watch out MAC and UD! Here we go.............

I will begin with some drug store brands and work my way up to the high end cosmetics.

 The MAX Volume Flash Waterproof Mascara
 It Claims and I quote, "Exclusive 'Lash Expand’ formula with collagen thickens lashes, while keratin helps to make them stronger, sleeker and shinier. This mascara features our BIGGEST BRUSH EVER with unique ‘Perfect Fit’ technology for perfect loading of each lash. Combined with a quick setting formula that dries in a flash, there isn't a clump in sight. Lashes are pumped to 14X more volume. Go from skinny to fat in 10 SECONDS FLAT."

I was not impressed at all, this mascara is supposed to be water proof yet it would smear on some of the hottest (and Humid) days when it should of stayed in place with out smearing.  I did not notice any difference in volume, although I would always curl my lashes before and after the mascara, they never seemed as though I curled them, they would remain completely flat.  I used it one time without the my eyelash curler and I think it worked a bit better, but then again they looked the same way my eyelashes looked before putting on mascara.  The brush was the only thing I liked from this mascara, yet, the actual product seemed to weight my lashes down.  
Would I recommend?  Not this time.


Maybelline's XXL Pro Curl Waterproof


 This product claims  the following information:
  • Step 1: Curls to a 30° angle
  • Step 2: Provides 12-hour hold
  • Waterproof; also available in Washable
  • Contact lens safe
  • Ophthalmologist Tested 
This is one that I truly loved ! I give it a super high rating!! I love the fact that is a two step system, the first primes and lengthens your lashes and then the second, you place a top coat of product.  I completely love this mascara, one of those few that I have been waiting for and can be purchased at a drugstore !!   I can even use this mascara without curling my lashes !! and they look beautiful!! now when I do curl my lashes people think I am wearing a strip of lashes.  
Would I recommend? Yes ! definitely try this one out, I think you will be very pleased with your purchase and all for less than $10, what more can you ask for??


Now let me review another brand of mascara that was purchased online from a makeup line called Medusa's Makeup.  I will be doing a detailed review on this line of cosmetics, which although the prices are descent, not all of their products have great pay out.


Medusa's Makeup Mascara



4 amazing "electric" mascara
Black Magic               Blue Blood                   Majestic                    Envy

Obviously this is not your every day mascara (apart from the black magic shade) but this is a good touch for a fun look you may want to try out.  I used the Majestic mascara a few times on different clients, and the pay out was reasonable, yet they did report color fading after a few hours.  By itself you will not really find a big difference on your lashes other than the color.  You will need to curl your lashes with this item.
Would I recommend? this is not a hurry-up-and-get-deal, you can wait a while for this product, if in fact you would like to try it.



Now to my high end cosmetics.... 

Lets begin with the one I didn't like, MAC's Zoom Lash Mascara, since you read my review from the Rimmel mascara, I can say it is the same exact thing!  

 Zoom Lash

MAC's website claims that its major drama, will last all day, creamy ............... Did not look dramatic, did not hold on well, even after having the lashes curled, runs and smears easily (not water proof) and although you think you took it off well before going to bed, don't be surprised if you wake up in the morning and find your self with dark circles under your eyes.
Will I buy again? not in a million years!

Finally to the high end mascara's I recommend....

MAC's Splashproof Lash, the site claims " Waterproof. Thickens and lengthens. Made for sports and high emotions. Delivers natural-looking definition in one coat. Keeps lashes silky, soft, flexible. Brush tapers to evenly coat each lash, even at the inner corner of the eye. Smudge resistant".  

 Splashproof Lash
I agree, this mascara is so good ! I loved the way my lashes look, of course, after curling them and placing a second coat.  The only thing that I did notice is that, again, you may think you did a fabulous job taking off the mascara, come to find out the following morning that you have dark circles under your eyes.  Would I recommend for purchase? Sure !! Try it out.

Finally !!! one of my Favorites, which I ran out a while back and replaced it with the XXL Pro Curl by Maybelline, but will be buying again.....

Urban Decay's Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara
Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara


Our Love It or Leave It GUARANTEE
UD's Site Claims "Reach new heights with our drastically improved, six-in-one Skyscraper Mascara. Our innovative formula will lengthen, strengthen, separate, curl, brighten and thicken your lashes without even a hint of clumping or flaking. The state-of-the-art, new generation brush features a flexible shaft and multiple rows of tapered bristles to comb through lashes from root to tip. Skyscraper gives you that “come hither” look that gets ‘em every time

And don’t even think about sacrificing the well being of your delicate lashes to a harsh product. Not a chance! The multi-benefit formula actually nourishes lashes. Luxe ingredients like Panthenol and vegetal ceramids condition and strengthen. Silk protein protects, and Vitamins C and E serve as powerful antioxidants. Filming agents even encourage a gentle curling. Lashes are long, strong, and feather-soft

The velvety soft-touch tube might be the sexiest of all: jet black and wrapped in a hand-drawn, purple foil design, you’ll love to pull this beauty out of your makeup bag." 


Yes, it does that and more, the brush is very flexible that you can get so close to the root and get all the little lashes in the inner corners!! I do love this mascara! but the only downfall is the price, this is pricey! retail price of $22.  I know its a bit pricey but this one I will be buying very soon!  On the up again, UD does offer a Love it or Leave it guarantee, so if you don't like it, just send it back ;)

Okay, so this is my review of the few mascara's that I currently own, all less than 3 months old!  please replace your Mascara regularly to prevent eye infections and some other yucky things...

I hope you all enjoyed my reviews, again, all of these items were purchased by me, none were given to me to promote.  Try them out and let me know what you think!  I apologize for the length, spelling & grammar and punctuation, it is almost 1 am...  until the next time!
 Besos, 

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Kandee Johnson's Glaminar Review...


(click on the link above to take you to Kandee's blog)



Houston was lucky enough to receive celebrity Makeup Artist Kandee Johnson for one of her exciting Glaminar seminars.  I was even more lucky to receive the opportunity to attend.  The Glaminar was hosted in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Houston on August 28, 2010.

The day started bright and early, battling the alarm clock that did not go off !  Thank Goodness for Nancy who sent me a text at 6:30 am to make sure I was awake.  I got in the shower, got ready and began driving towards a new experience.   I arrived and two FB friends (Nancy & Danny) where already there checking people in, as well as a third friend I made that Day, Michelle.  I helped out the little that I could, and waited impatiently for the seminar to begin. 

Mrs. Shannon, Kandee's Beautiful-Mom-that-looks-like-her-sister, came on stage and informed us that Kandee had a few complications, but thankfully it was nothing to worry about, so a few minutes later she came on stage.
I can honestly say that this was a great, life changing experience for me.   I felt as though my Lord had allowed me to open my eyes and see how short our life can be... I wont say that I will never feel frustration or stress, but I know that regardless of those obstacles, I will always count my blessings, follow my dreams and give thanks to the Lord.  Although Kandee shared many tips of her success and how to be successful in this field, she shared with us much more than that, she shared with us some of her most memorable heart touching experiences.  We laughed a lot, and some of us cried too, but aside from the smiles and tears we all felt bonded to one another that day. 

I really do recommend any one who is thinking about attending, Kandee provides all of the tools you need to begin your MUA career or in other cases to build a successful business.  I will continue to take more workshops that were recommended by Kandee, and I hope to have the opportunity to work with her in the future! 

Any questions? feel free to ask :)


Monday, August 16, 2010

Beauty Reviews.... Benefit Cosmetics...

Hello everyone !! This is my first blog review !!! 

So, browsing online (www.sephora.com) I found this set from benefit cosmetics.   I have been wanting to try out these different items so when I found this set for $10 !! I had to buy it.  BTW it is still for that price and it is an online exclusive. 

The Set includes: 
.09 OZ Stay Don't Stray (eye primer)
.11 Erase Paste in Medium (concealer)
.11 Crease-less cream shadow in RSVP

To begin this is my experience with this items, they were purchased by my own means and is my most honest opinion on these items.  Now lets get down to business! 

1. The Stay don't stray eye primer!  I love it ! I seriously like this more than the the too faced shadow insurance primer.  I have not place them to the max test but will soon and I will post pictures of the process.  I can say that for me its the same quality of Urban Decay's Eye Primer Potion.  I can even extend that for me, it is a bit better since it gives more of a nude canvas to work with.  I love having a clean, smooth canvas to let my imagination loose.  

2. Erase Paste concealer, another two thumbs up!  I like the fact that this concealer is very creamy so I am able to place it within the finest lines under the eye, now caution, since it is creamy I have to set it very well with a translucent powder, which can be the down fall of this product.  Compared to other concealers I do find that the Erase Paste tends to some what fade or run, but it is to expect since I do have oily skin.  Again, every so many hours I make sure to pat on some more translucent powder under my eyes, after blotting the oil with a tissue.  This way it can have longer lasting effects. 

3. Crease-less cream shadow in RSVP.  For this product, I will give a 4.0 stars (out of 5), which for me its not a completely love.  Why you may ask?  well for me it was the color, but overall the product is good!!  RSVP is very shimmery which can be really cute on special occasions or alike, but for my daily use I prefer more of a matte finish.  To give some background, I have oily skin so usually I keep shimmers to a minimum, I do not want to draw attention to what can be confused as oil around my t-zone.  Now, I can say that I have used this product as a Primer!! and it has maintain the shadows from fading!!!  For that reason it was a 4 star product.  
Thank you all so much for reading this quick review and I will be adding a few more since I have purchased so many items which I need to give my two cents on ;).  Also, if there are any items out there which you would like me to review, let me know :)

Wish you all happiness, success and love !  Keep your faith high in the one who created us and everything else will fall into place! 

XoXo
Claudia Elizabeth.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Beginning of August and upcoming plans...

I woke up this morning to realize that this summer is almost gone.  Soon I will have to get the ball going for my last semester at UH.  Exciting thoughts cross my mind, yet, at the same time, some fear strikes me.  "What will I do next?" After graduation, what is next?  I guess I have this entire semester to think about it...

Yesterday, I confirmed my assistance to a seminar hosted by one of my favorite MUA, I can't wait, I think this experience will be life changing for me.  This will be a good step for my part-time MUA career.  I am so excited, words are not sufficient to describe the feeling. 

I have a full schedule this week!  I have a pre-makeup session tomorrow for a Quinceañera, we will be choosing natural shades and colors to give this beautiful young woman a sparkle without covering her youth.  I have wondered at times why is it that young teens want to look older than their age. 

I think the perfect look for a Sweet 16th or a Quinceañera would be the look of natural young beauty and not overdoing their makeup by extreme shadows and countouring.  What is the rush to grow?  The older you get the more you realize how hard life is and how much we need to do to keep afloat. 

I have a MU session on Saturday for another Quinceañera.  I am really excited to work with young women who at times tend to be insecure of their image.  I believe God had a reason for me to study Psychology and work as an MUA, I tend to use a lot of my learned studies in the work place, where is definitely needed :). 

I will be posting pics soon from this upcoming events, thanks for stopping by :)

Good day & God Bless !